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With hundreds of exciting events and festivals on the calendar, it can be difficult to narrow down your list of summer activities. We've made it easy for you with this guide to our picks for the best things to do in Indianap o lis, IN, this season. 4 Fun Summer Activities You Can Drive to Near Indianapolis, IN 1. Greenbriar Community Center Summer Festival Enjoy the nice weather with your neighbors at this fun summer festival. You'll find food, a petting zoo, a bounce house, face painting, and even a mechanical bull ride. Stay cool by playing splash volleyball or running through the sprinklers in the splash zone. The event is free to enter, and for a $5 donation, you can see an exclusive world premiere of the new comedy Daddy Daughter Trip with Rob Schneider. Greenbriar Community Center is located at 1259 West 8th Street in Indianapolis. The event is from 1 to 3 p.m., with movie showtimes at 1, 3, and 5 p.m. 2. Bloombox Festival Once known as the Independent Music and Art Festival, this event is celebrating its 22nd year in downtown Indianapolis. Bloombox is an all-day, free festival where you can hear live music from 10 local bands and see original work from local artists. You can even shop for handmade clothes, jewelry, beauty products, posters, and much more at the event's INDIEana Handicraft Exchange. Bloombox Festival will take place on Saturday, June 17 from noon to 8 p.m. It's held at the Harrison Center for the Arts, 1505 North Delaware Street in Indianapolis. 3. Sunrise Yoga on the Canal Start your morning with a relaxing stretch and a gentle workout at Sunrise Yoga on the Canal. This free class is open to all skill levels, and it's hosted by The Hot Room Yoga and the Indianapolis Culture Trail. If you plan to attend, make sure you register in advance at The Hot Room's website. Yoga on the Canal occurs every Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. through September. Bring your own yoga mat and meet the group at the Admiral Spruance Basin, 410 West 10th Street at the end of the Downtown Canal in Indianapolis. 4. Indianapolis City Market Experience some of the best local produce and fresh food available in the city at this weekly outdoor market. Indianapolis City Market was established in 1821 and features more than 30 different vendors. The City Market is located at 222 East Market Street in Indianapolis. The outdoor market takes place every Wednesday from May through October, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. City driving is a snap with the Jeep Renegade, a sleek yet rugged compact crossover. Check it out in person today at Tom O'Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Indianapolis.

Known as the racing capital of the world, the city of Indianapolis, IN features many local attractions, historical landmarks, and sprawling parks and green areas. If you are driving around the city in your 2023 Jeep Renegade and are searching for nearby places to take a break from the urban bustle, here are three spots you should visit. Drive on Over to These 3 Local Parks in Indianapolis, IN 1. White River State Park Although you might think that a state park should be located far away from the city center, this is not the case of White River State Park. Encompassing nearly 270 acres and created in the late 1970s, this expansive green area is located at 801 W Washington Street in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, making it a popular gathering spot among locals and visitors alike. Home to numerous tourist attractions, including the Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Zoo, and White River Gardens, White River State Park is one of the local landmarks you should not miss while exploring the city. Open every day between 5:00 am and 11:00 pm, this beautiful green area draws nearly three million visitors every year. 2. Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park Located at 1850 W 38th Street and less than five miles north of the Indianapolis downtown area, Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park is another well-known local park that features not only sprawling green areas, but also plenty of art installations, museums, and education centers. With an area of a little over 100 acres, this place opened its doors to the public in 2010 and is open every day from sunrise to sunset. Sitting right along the banks of the White River and featuring a 40-acre lake, Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park offers beautiful landscapes and excellent opportunities for picnicking. Additionally, this public recreation area features a footbridge across the Indiana Central Canal, a pavilion, as well as numerous nature trails. Driving here from the Indianapolis city center takes less than 10 minutes via route I-65. 3. Riverside Park Established in the late 1890s and open Monday through Saturday, Riverside Park covers an area of about 860 acres and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. This place features not only plenty of open grounds and picnic spots, but also several golf courses, a sports complex, a fitness park, and a canoe club. This park is located at 2420 E Riverside Drive and just three miles northwest of the downtown area. No matter what type of vehicle you're looking for, if you are searching for a trusted, family-owned dealership with decades of experience, you've come to the right place. Hit the road and visit us today at Tom O'Brien CJDR – Indianapolis! One of our team members will be happy to show you around our extensive inventory.

Winter in Indiana can be a magical time, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures and indoor fun. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family-friendly vacation, there are plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we'll explore three of the best winter activities that you can drive to near Indianapolis, IN. 3 Great Winter Activities You Can Drive to Near Indianapolis, IN Skiing and Snowboarding at Perfect North Slopes Located at 19074 Perfect Place Ln, Lawrenceburg, Perfect North Slopes is a premier winter destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. The ski resort boasts a full-service ski and snowboard rental shop, so you don't need to worry about bringing your own equipment. When you arrive at Perfect North Slopes, you'll be greeted by friendly staff who can help you get started with your skiing or snowboarding adventure. If you're new to the sport, they offer group and private lessons to get you up to speed. For more experienced skiers and snowboarders, there are plenty of challenging runs to keep you entertained. Ice Skating at the Indiana State Fairgrounds If you're looking for a fun and family-friendly winter activity, ice skating at the Indiana State Fairgrounds is a great option. Located just a short drive from downtown Indianapolis at 1202 E 38th St, the fairgrounds offer a 17,000-square-foot ice skating rink that's open to the public from November through January. The rink is open seven days a week, and it's a great place to enjoy a winter day with friends and family. In addition to ice skating, the fairgrounds offer a variety of other fun activities, such as a holiday light show, a Christmas market, and a winter wonderland complete with a snow tubing hill. Sledding at Fort Harrison State Park If you're looking for a fun and free winter activity, sledding at Fort Harrison State Park is a great option. Located at 5753 Glenn Rd, the park offers some of the best sledding hills in the area, with plenty of space to enjoy the snow and the beautiful winter scenery. When you arrive at the park, you'll find plenty of parking and easy access to the sledding hills. There are slopes of varying sizes and steepness. You can bring your own sled or rent one from a nearby sporting goods store. While you're at Fort Harrison State Park, be sure to take advantage of the other fun activities that the park has to offer. You can go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on the park's trails or simply enjoy a winter hike or nature walk. There are also plenty of picnic areas and shelters where you can warm up and enjoy a snack or a cup of hot cocoa. Grab your warmest coat, pack the car, and hit the road to explore the winter wonderland that Indiana has to offer! When you bring your friends or family to these places with you, you're going to want to make sure they can all ride comfortably. So make sure you're driving a roomy car like the new Jeep Compass Latitude. Check one out at Tom O'Brien CJDR – Indianapolis today!

A popular activity among Americans of all ages, birdwatching is a fantastic way to take a break from the routine and relax in nature after a busy week. If you are searching for new destinations to discover in your 2022 Jeep Gladiator, here are three fantastic spots you can reach in less than two hours from downtown Indianapolis, IN. Fill up your tank, don't forget your camera, and hit the road! 3 Great Spots for Birdwatching You Can Drive to From Indianapolis, IN 1. Yellowwood State Forest Home to over 180 different species of birds, Yellowwood State Forest is one of the most popular destinations among birdwatchers and wildlife photographers from Indianapolis. Established by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, this public recreation area covers a territory of over 23,000 acres and features several miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Some of the bird species you can find while exploring this sprawling nature reserve include wood thrush, blue-winged warbler, common yellowthroat, chestnut-sided warbler, wild turkey, broad-winged hawk, yellow-billed cuckoo, and indigo bunting. Yellowwood State Forest is located about 50 miles south of the Indianapolis city center and can be reached in a little over one hour via route IN-135. 2. Morgan-Monroe State Forest Another beautiful nature reserve featuring thick forests and over 100 bird species, Morgan-Monroe State Forest is located a little under 40 miles southwest of downtown Indianapolis, making it an easy day trip destination that can be reached in less than one hour via route IN-37. This public recreation area was established in 1939 and offers not only excellent opportunities for birding and wildlife watching but also picnic shelters and several miles of hiking and biking trails. Spanning an area of about 24,000 acres, Morgan-Monroe State Forest is managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and provides habitat to large populations of red-bellied woodpecker, chimney swift, Acadian flycatcher, eastern-wood pewee, American crow, hooded warbler, northern cardinal, mourning dove, and downy woodpecker. This public recreation area features a large family campground for those wanting to stay overnight. 3. Fort Harrison State Park Located just 12 miles northeast of downtown Indianapolis, Fort Harrison State Park is a wonderful destination to spend a day checking out some beautiful bird specimens without driving too far from the city. Established in 1996, this nature reserve spans about 1,700 acres and welcomes almost 900,000 visitors each year. Some of the bird species you can find here include the common yellowthroat, cerulean warbler, Kentucky warbler, and yellow-breasted chat. Are you thinking of buying a new or used vehicle to take your friends and family on memorable adventures in Indiana and beyond? If the answer is yes, don't think twice and visit us today at Tom O'Brien CJDR – Indianapolis! Check out our latest models, ask one of our agents about our custom financing plans, and take home your favorite car.

Looking for a fun way to spend a day with the family? Come check out the Indianapolis Zoo, located right here in Indianapolis, IN. From savannah big cats to arctic penguins, there's an animal for everyone to love – just make sure none come home with you afterward! 4 Reasons to Check Out the Indianapolis Zoo 1. Total Adventure Package The Total Adventure Package (TAP) allows visitors to purchase special tickets for zoo rides and animal feeds. That's right: You get to feed some animals. You follow a specially designed path through flamingo, budgie, lorikeet, and giraffe enclosures; and the animals eat right out of your hand. While the flamingos are a seasonal adventure, the birds are housed in large aviaries year-round. TAP also allows visitors to experience the zoo's many rides. The Endangered Species Carousel is one of our favorites, featuring hand-carved animals such as seahorses, penguins, elephants, rhinos, and many more. While only open from mid-March through December, the carousel is wheelchair accessible. Other exciting attractions include the Race-A-Cheetah simulation, the shark touch pool, the tots treehouse & play area (wheelchair accessible), and seeing the zoo by train. 2. Baby Animals This Zoo is an important contributor to animal conservation efforts, which means there are always new babies to discover! Their newest addition is an Addra Gazelle named Cobb. Many zoos play an integral part in animal conservation through selective breeding programs, which allow the sustainability of a genetically diverse population. Don't just take our word for it, though. The zoo offers programs for all ages on their efforts – the cute babies are just a plus! 3. Rotating Activities The zoo offers numerous extracurricular activities like overnight adventures, scout troop experiences, field trip options, zoo camps, animal adventures, and dolphin-in-water adventures. If that isn't enough for you, there are also adult, family & youth programs. Luckily, your new 2022 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4x4 has plenty of space to bring the whole family so you can discover these incredible options. Have little ones? They offer the Jungle Juniors Preschool Program for ages 3-5. Saturday Science encourages kids ages 6-12 to ask questions about the science of the natural world, featuring different animals every week. Snakes, aardvarks, and kangaroos are only a few. For older kids, they offer a class all about zoo career options and can talk behind the scenes with the zoo staff. 4. More than just Critters in Indianapolis, IN Not only will you see animal enclosures here, but you'll also find the White River Gardens. At 3.3 acres, this beautiful area is home to multiple different (safe) species of animals, the Hilbert Conservatory, the DeHaan Tiergarten, and over 20,000 honeybees! During certain programs, the staff will lead you into the bees' hives and give you some incredible information on how we can all help protect our favorite buzzing pollinators. Zoos play an essential part in education, conservation, and community. Want to make sure you can bring home that extra-large stuffed tiger you got at the gift shop? Stop by Tom O'Brien CJDR today, and we'll make sure you drive off the lot with a car perfect for you and your family.

Nothing says "night on the town" like enjoying a live performance! Whether you want to catch a concert, relax at a play, or laugh at some comedy, you'll find plenty of entertainment options to choose from at these great theaters in Indianapolis, IN. Drive on Down: 3 Great Theaters and Performance Venues in Indianapolis, IN Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Around since 1973, Beef & Boards has been a staple of the Indy performance scene for decades. Each season offers visitors professional Broadway-style shows and entertains more than 155,000 patrons each year. They also regularly have children's productions on the lineup, so you can pile the whole family into your spacious Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo and head downtown for a fun night enjoying the arts together. While you enjoy the show, you can also savor the included buffet dinner prepared by their in-house chef. Featured on every buffet is a variety of entree options including their signature hand-carved roast beef (hence the "beef" in Beef & Boards - the "boards" refers to the wooden floors of the venue!). Consider taking advantage of their VIP membership program so that you can see (and eat) more for less! IndyFringe As a local arts incubator, IndyFringe definitely has something for everyone! Three separate venues make up the IndyFringe family and include one outdoor and two indoor performance spaces. The Indy Eleven Theatre, the smaller black box space, is a home for artists to try out a variety of unique acts in a more intimate setting. Always mission-driven, IndyFringe is committed to helping the local arts community by supporting artists and providing the resources needed to make their productions successful. Make sure to also check out the IndyFringe Festival hosted every summer. The three-week-long event has no shortage of acts to satisfy any performance preference including drama, comedy, musicals, magic, storytelling, ballet, and more! Old National Centre Located in the heart of Indy's entertainment district, the Old National Centre is one of the city's most prominent historical landmarks. Visitors can enjoy live music in the 2000-seat concert hall or catch an acclaimed Broadway show (recent ones have included Hamilton, Wicked, and The Lion King!) in their 2500-seat performing arts space. If you're looking for a more intimate setting, the Deluxe room is a smaller space where you can see up-and-coming musical artists showcase their talents. With over 400 public and private events happening every year, there is no shortage of reasons to come and check out the Old National Centre on your next night out. There are also several rental options available. From wedding receptions to holiday parties, there are many ways to enjoy this beautiful, historic venue for your own party or event! No matter what kind of show you're in the mood for, Indy has no shortage of great live performance options! Stop by Tom O'Brien Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram - Indianapolis today to get into a new vehicle that will make you shine as bright as the stars on the stage.

Whether you're a local or visiting from out of town, with family, friends, or work colleagues, after something first thing in the morning or that melts into lunchtime - whatever the plan, Indianapolis boasts some of the best breakfast places and brunch places in the whole USA. Read on for some of the spots we can't get enough of. 5 Popular Brunch and Breakfast Places in Indianapolis 1. Good Morning Mama's Cafe This family-friendly, quirky, atmospheric cafe was built inside a renovated gas station, which makes for an unmissable dining experience. If you're in the mood for quintessentially American-style diner food, you can't go past it; it's comforting, generously portioned, and completely delicious. Try the pancakes, which come with homemade jelly! Their fabulous patio is perfect for warmer days, the staff welcoming, and they even have a jukebox. 2. Yolk - City Way Hearty portions meet unbeatable flavor in this trendy, contemporary brunch spot. From healthy omelets all the way to peanut butter banana french toast, an expansive menu has pretty much every meal under the sun - which is fitting since the yellow decor really does make it feel like you're under the sun. Delicious, fresh coffee rounds out the menu, and the friendly staff is always more than happy to offer some recommendations if you can't decide. 3. 3 Sisters Cafe Tucked away in historic Broad Ripple you'll find 3 Sisters, a family-run cafe with wonderful staff and tasty fresh food. Vegetarians and vegans will be thrilled with the options here, which include plenty of delicious tofu substitutes. Don't worry, carnivores, there's still plenty of bacon and sausage for you. It's hard not to be charmed by the cozy, domestic location that's complete with a gorgeous patio. 4. Delicia New Latin-American cuisine takes center stage at this trendy, upscale cafe. The menu is based on traditional food and drinks from the Americas, Spain, and the Caribbean, and you can taste it. While they stay open for dinner, their brunch menu really sings: huevos rancheros, Cuban toast, a chorizo hash, and fish tacos - yes, for breakfast - are some standouts. Those looking for a more adult morning out can enjoy a special brunch drinks menu as well. 5. Cafe Patachou This big, bustling cafe is home to some of the most popular stuffed omelets in Indy, which is why it's one of our favorite brunch places around. They're just as good at sweet meals like waffles and granolas as they are BLTs and their Cuban breakfast. Their bottomless coffee bar is self-serve and has an excellent range of freshly-brewed, housemate options for all the java fans out there. Top that all off with service that's efficient and inviting, and you've got yourself a perfect morning out. The best part about going out for breakfast or brunch? You still have the day left to do whatever you want! Come up to Tom O'Brien CJDR - Indianapolis and peruse our incredible collections of Chryslers, Jeeps, Dodges, and Rams, or check out our fantastic service center.

Our city of Indianapolis, IN has a fascinating history, and we have preserved it in some of the best museums in the country. For locals and tourists alike, these are just some of our favorite places to visit to learn about our history. 3 of the Best Museums to Visit in and Around Indianapolis, IN Indiana State Museum This fascinating museum is located in a beautiful section of our city at 650 W Washington Street near the canals, and it follows the history of Indiana from the dinosaurs to the present day. The range of galleries is huge, from the Ancient Seas exhibit of prehistoric underwater creatures to the Global Indiana exhibit which celebrates Indiana's contributions to the world. You can wind your way through frozen caves, and explore science all in one incredible venue. The museum fills three floors, two of which are permanent exhibits and the third is rotated regularly so there is always something new to see. There is a very wide variety of interactive exhibits, which will delight the entire family. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, and the entrance fee is definitely worth the price. Rhythm! Discovery Center For the music enthusiast, this is the foremost interactive drum and percussion museum in the world. The museum focuses on the universality of rhythm and percussion, and how this has shaped music, the arts, and civilization. Although the building is not large, it is filled with fascinating musical instruments. Some of the instruments are for display only, but a unique feature of the museum is that you can pick up and play most of the instruments. There are sound-controlled booths where you can play instruments and vary the sounds, and you can even join a live drum circle if you'd like. Rhythm! is located at 110 W Washington St Ste A Suite A, and they are open daily till 5 pm. NCAA Hall of Champions Located at 700 W Washington Street - 1 NCAA Plaza, this museum allows you to test your skills in future collegiate sports, or have a fantastic opportunity to relive your sporting glory. The first floor of the museum is dedicated to the history of collegiate sports, and the second floor is filled with interactive experiences. The interactive sports cover all of the 24 NCAA recognized ones, including basketball, soccer, athletics, football, and tennis. The entrance fee is $5 and for the young or young-at-heart, it's the perfect place to view the history of champions, learn about the NCAA, and the positive influence of sports on collegiate life. For a great day of sport and learning too, be sure to visit them. They are open daily till 5 pm. Once you've viewed some of our fascinating histories, come and see some of the fantastic deals we have available for you today at Tom O'Brien CJDR. We're a fourth-generation family dealership, with an amazing range of new and used vehicles available. We know we have your perfect next car here for you.

As a city famed for its fun events, car racing, beautiful parks, and varied cultural activities, Indianapolis, IN has a wonderful range of outdoor activities to choose from. Whether you're seeking something to do in the city or an escape into nearby nature, you'll find it all in this warm and welcoming town. Go Ape Zip Line & Adventure Tours Visit this forested adventure center for an exhilarating day of outdoor fun, suitable for children and adults alike. Have a go at dangling treetop obstacle courses, zip-lining for all levels, heart-racing monkey drops, and even axe throwing lessons. It's a superb day out for families, groups of friends, and even work colleagues on team-building events. Indianapolis Zoo This wonderful zoo has over 1,300 well-kept animals. It also sports an aquarium and a large botanical garden. For a stroll past the fascinating sights and sounds of rare animals and plant life, the zoo is a classic, much-loved activity that's hard to beat. Its location is in downtown Indianapolis. It's so easy to reach that there's really no excuse not to visit while you're in town. Active Indy Tours Explore this wonderful city at the casual pace of a walking, biking, or jogging tour with Active Indy Tours. As you go, an experienced local storyteller will bring every sight and location to life with interesting details of history, culture, and lore. This is an outdoor educational adventure you're bound to enjoy, whether you're new to town or a long-time resident. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort This family-oriented campground is ideal for a convenient trip into nature. It offers both RV and tent-camping options, or cabin rental if you don't have either. This resort is packed with top-notch entertainment for kids, with a giant inflated pillow for leaping around on, a place for panning for fossils and minerals, themed parties, swimming pools with rides, and miles of lush woodland for hiking and picnicking. Old World Gondoliers Take a soothing, magical trip along the city's scenic canal while the boater serenades you with charming Italian songs. It's a great trip for the whole family, or a wonderfully romantic choice for couples alone. You can bring your own food and drink on board. It's a lovely way to see a very pretty part of the city in style. Fort Harrison State Park and Golf Resort The serene and stunningly beautiful Fort Harrison State Park offers miles of fine hiking trails through some of the region's best nature. The 18-hole championship course was designed by a famous golf architect, named Pete Dye, to provide world-class playing conditions with a variety of beautiful views. Greatimes Family Fun Park For go-karting, bumper boats, mini-golf, and more, treat your kids to an afternoon at Greatimes Family Fun Park. This five-acre entertainment complex is perfect for parties, offering many organized packages with trained hosts and hostesses. For rainy days, the 22,000 square foot indoor facility has an extensive playland inside, and also a multilevel games arcade. Whichever of these fun activities you choose to enjoy, after you've finished, head down to Tom O'Brien CJDR - Indianapolis for all your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram purchasing and servicing needs.

Covering 250 acres along the western bank of the White River, White River State Park is arguably one of the most scenic urban parks in the country. Several iconic attractions dot the landscape of the park, while photo-ops and recreational activities abound. Whether you're looking to get some culture, enjoy the outdoors, or learn more about Indiana, here are some must-do activities at White River State Park. Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn Formerly known as the Lawn at White River State Park, the Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn is one of the country's best music venues. Opened in 2003, this outdoor venue seats over 50,000 people for a concert event unlike any other. Past artists cover a variety of genres and include the Black Keys, Bob Dylan, Florence and the Machine, The Avett Brothers, LL Cool J, and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Grab your tickets online before the show, or come the day of the show to snag a ticket at the box office. Indiana State Museum With exhibits featuring art, culture, history, and science, the Indiana State Museum is one of the state's largest museums. In total, the museum houses 452,000 artifacts over 40,000 square feet. On both Level 1 and Level 2, the museum has several permanent exhibits, including three that were recently renovated. These include information about the Ice Age in Indiana, the founding tribes and settlers of Indiana, Civil War artifacts, and other artifacts tied to the history of the Hoosier State. Throughout the year, the museum hosts several traveling or temporary exhibits on a variety of topics. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $14.95 for adults (ages 18 to 59 years), $13.95 for seniors (60 years and older), $12.95 for Indiana college students with a valid ID, $9.95 for children (ages 3-17 years), and free for children under age 3. IMAX Theater If you're in the mood for a flick or you're not into museums, you can still hop inside the Indiana State Museum's IMAX Theater. Featuring a six-story screen, this IMAX theater is the biggest in the state. A 12,000-watt premium sound system electrifies the setting. Head in for an educational movie or one of the latest Hollywood blockbusters. Tickets for non-educational films are $16.50 for adults (ages 13 and over), $13.50 for children (ages 3-12), and free for children 2 years and under on their parent's lap. Educational movies are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (65 years and older), and $7 for children. NCAA Hall of Champions College sports fans will be in heaven at the NCAA Hall of Champions. Featuring hands-on displays, interactive exhibits, sports simulators, and a retro gym, the hall is a museum experience unlike any other. It has features and information on all 24 varsity college sports, so whether you love famous Hail Marys, buzzer beaters, or heroic performances, you'll find them all here. The Hall of Champions is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults (ages 19-59 years), $3 for youth (6-18 years) and seniors (60 years and older), and free for kids 5 years and under. From sports, music, and entertainment to cultural learning experiences, White River State Park has a little something for everyone. Image via Pixabay

Built in 1909, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of the oldest and most legendary sports venues in the world. Home to the Big Machine Vodka 400 and the Indy 500, the venue seats up to 257,000 fans, and up to 400,000 people with infield seating, making it the largest sports stadium on Earth. For racing fans, there's no better vacation than a visit to this iconic racetrack. If you're planning a trip to the speedway, this guide will help you create an itinerary that gives you the ultimate experience. Race Day The most exciting time to visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is on race day. Throughout the year, the racetrack plays host to several high-profile, big-ticket events. Over the second weekend of September, the speedway hosts the Big Machine Vodka 400, formerly known as the Brickyard 400. This pivotal race matches the best drivers from the NASCAR circuit in a battle for vital NASCAR Cup Series points. While the Big Machine Vodka 400 is worth the trip, nothing beats the history, excitement, and speed of the Indianapolis 500. Started in 1911, this Indy Car race is the longest-running race in the country. Every Memorial Day weekend, it pits 33 racers in a 500-mile, 200-lap sprint around the track, often resulting in some of the best drama in professional sports. The pre-race ceremonies, post-race events, and the celebratory milk chug just add to the experience. Book your tickets in advance, as this race is the most popular event in the country. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum You don't have to miss out on the speedway just because there isn't a race event scheduled. Instead of watching a race, take a trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Many of the exhibits deal with the heroics and history of the Brickyard 400 and the Indy 500, including the winning cars, photos, and accounts of each race. In addition, the museum houses trophies, artifacts, and plaques honoring the greatest pro racers of all time. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from November to February and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from March through October. Admission is $10 for adults (age 16 years and older), $5 for youth (ages 6 to 15 years), and free for children 5 years and under. Red Bull Air Race Car racing is certainly rousing, but the Red Bull Air Race may rival it as the most exhilarating sport in the world. Each October, slightly crazy pilots from around the world test their skills on an aerial course designed to test even seasoned wingmen. Flying at speeds of over 250 mph, the race forces the pilots to do loop-de-loops, make their way through gates, and navigate the tightest turns to lift the trophy. For adrenaline junkies, there's probably no better sport out there. Whether you like watching a celebrated car race, learning about the history of the track and racing royalty, or seeing the latest extreme sport, the Indianapolis 500 has more than enough options to suit your tastes. If you plan on attending, just make sure to buy your tickets early or pick them up at the box office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Image via Pixabay

Spending summer outdoors gives Indianapolis residents a ticket to some of the coolest community events this time of year. But what exactly is there to look forward to in Indy this summer? Festivals, fairs, and conventions — that's what! Here are four upcoming events you don't want to miss. National Bank of Indianapolis Summer Nights Film Series The National Bank of Indianapolis Summer Nights Film Series is an event to unite movie lovers everywhere. Held from July 26-29 at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields amphitheater, guests will be rewarded with screenings of Oscar-nominated shorts the whole family can enjoy. Tickets are $12, though members save $4 on admission, and children ages 5 and under enter for free. Be sure to order your tickets in advance to secure a spot! Food and beverages can be purchased on site, and all films start around 9:30 p.m. However, to get first dibs on the best seats in the house, early birds are welcome to arrive when the doors open at 7 p.m. Gen Con 2018 Are you ready for the largest gaming convention in North America? Gen Con 2018 isn't just something for gamers, though; it appeals to kids and adults of all ages. Here you'll find food trucks and a beer garden as well as events like a film festival, costume contest, art show, and author and artist hangouts. Plus, 500 game companies will be in attendance, debuting of hundreds of new titles. You'll also spot tables and booths that are set up throughout, encouraging gamers to put their skills to the test with the latest board games, card games, and video games. If interested, Gen Con 2018 will be held at the Indiana Convention Center from Aug. 2–5. Indiana State Fair This circus-themed event will be held Aug. 3–19 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. You can expect plenty of amusement park rides and games, a diverse lineup of food trucks and stalls, and live entertainment. The latter includes acts such as country star Hunter Hayes, '90s sibling trio Hanson, and '80s heartthrob Rick Springfield. Bringing the whole family along? Tickets for the Indiana State Fair are just $8 in advance with children ages 5 and under enter for free. Or grab a four-ticket Family Pack for $30 and save a few bucks. Don't forget to snag your Midway wristbands either; they're available for a $10 discount until Aug. 5, give you access to all the rides at the fair, and are a must for the kiddos. First Friday Food Truck Festival This festival features 30 food trucks offering everything from Greek and Mediterranean dishes to tasty baked goods and a lineup that changes from month to month. Family games and prizes are aplenty, and on the Sam Ash Stage, entertainment is provided by music students. Performances range from crafty originals to impressive covers. All events at the First Friday Food Truck Festival will take place at the Old National Centre parking lot on Friday, Sept. 7 from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the gate, but children ages 5 and under (and leashed dogs) enter for free. Need plans for the summer? These top Indianapolis events will get your summer started right. Image via Pixabay